Defra (Department for Environment, Food and
Rural Affairs) are a government department whose responsibilities
cover a vast array of areas within the United Kingdom, their
aim is to provide, through their differing divisions and offices,
‘A better quality of life for everyone now and for future
generations to come ‘

The main objectives of Defra are to protect and improve the
rural, urban and global environment in which we live.

Some products imported into the United Kingdom, knowingly
or otherwise could upset or even harm our surroundings and
lives, therefore checks need to be put in place to ensure
that we have a safe environment for us to get on with our
everyday lives.

They are also look to control Illegal imports, again knowingly
or otherwise from being imported such as exotic animal diseases,
pest threats and other diseases.

Most of the areas which are covered by Defra and the tasks
they carry out on a day to day basis happen without us even
knowing however, if the department have concerns regarding
your products and their possible effect on our community you
will be requested to provide further information via your
agent to satisfy that all guidelines are met.

Defra DO have the power to detain your import from entering
the United Kingdom if they are no wholly satisfied with either
the goods or the information provided therefore if you have
a product which may need clarification, you should seek to
check this prior to shipment to the UK.

If you are have the slightest doubt whether or not Defra would
be interested in your import, it is a good idea to check directly
with them, click here for your regional
Defra office.